Significant Frame Rust

I'm new here so pardon any rules I break. I know this is my first post but I'm seeking info regarding rusty frames.

My 1998 toyota tacoma with 160K miles has been very well taken care of. I'm second owner. I live in KY. Drive it to & from work about everyday about 10 miles per day. That's the reason very low miles. I noticed some odd frame issues on one side & compared to other side. Significant frame rust, metal rolling up, & complete absence of some of the frame where it's just rusted away. My local mechanic whom I trust told me not to drive it, it's that bad & he'd never seen anything like it. He said no way to fix or patch, just nothing left to fix. I called local Toyota dealership & was told nothing they could do & only option was to call corporate office. Called corporate office & was told my truck is outside all recall parameters & any fix is my sole responsibility.

Do I have any options left thru Toyota???? I would appreciate any info, knowledge, past experiences, or etc. Thanks for your time!

 

The dealership is responsible for intake and inspections of recall campaigns. This is from the NTSB, so i would call or file a complaint with them.

Though if its outside of the campaign according to Toyota..well then there is not much to do unfortunately. GM has had frame issues with its trucks in the past and it took individuals filing lawsuits in order to get their problem covered.

I have a 2000, and according to Toyota's site i dont qualify, but i have seen other 2000 models on here get buyback offers. So its hard to say what is correct, i would try and find the original bulletin for the buyback program.

 

Good thing it was an voluntary extended warranty, not a recall.

OP, unfortunately you truck is not covered. Even if it had fallen under the extended warranty it was only for 15 years after in-service date so yours would have expired. Your best bet is to have a shop repair the frame by welding in new pieces.

 

I was told that it was beyond repair or patching or fixing. Nothing to weld to

 

Take some pictures I have fixed quite a few so called unrepairable frames.

The question is it cost effective for you to spend this much money?? .To have things done the correct way.

When you can`t do the work yourself it gets very $$$$ for labor.

Just where are you from??

 

I live in Kentucky.

 

Just a little far I am about 900 miles from Louisville.

 

A friend of mine just had a frame fixed with these. "Safe-T-Caps"

https://www.autorust.com/product-category/toyota/toyota-tacoma/

Then he drove across the country.
Auto Rust Technicians did the repair in RI. I wonder how long it will hold up, but seems like a good idea.

 

Quite expensive for those 4 little pieces $500.00

I guess it comes down to how good the tech was who did the work.

Do you have any idea of the total cost??

 

I don't know how much the total cost was....